Australian Open: In a thrilling five-set match in the Australian Open’s first round on Tuesday, Andy Murray defeated Matteo Berrettini.
The five-time runner-up in Melbourne held on to a match point during a wild ride on Rod Laver Arena before defeating the 13th seed with a legendary score of 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-6)
The 35-year-old Murray took the first two sets but Berrettini rallied to tie the match in an exciting fourth set tie-break. Murray was attempting to defeat a top-20 player at a Grand Slam for the first time since his hip troubles started in 2017.
In the deciding set’s 10th game, the 13th-seeded Italian player had a match point, but he wasted it by putting a backhand into the net with the court open, allowing Murray to hang on and require a tie-break.
The match began with a gruelling opening point won by the Scot, and after four hours and 49 minutes, Murray, who moved brilliantly, was able to celebrate a stunning victory.
I’m simply tremendously thrilled and very proud of myself, said Murray
The 35-year-old stated, “I’ll feel this evening and tomorrow, but right now I’m simply tremendously thrilled and very proud of myself.”
“My team and I have worked very hard over the past three months to offer me the chance to play at venues and games like this, and it paid off tonight.
“I’ve never played one of those 10-point tie-breakers before, so it’s a little odd. He came back with great force, and I got a little lucky with the net cord in the end.
“He provided great service and is a brilliant competitor who always fights to the bitter finish. I did well to succeed.”
Thanks to everyone for all the kind messages. We left it all out there. Hope you enjoyed the show. ❤️
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) January 17, 2023
The roof was closed due to the intense heat, but Murray was in top form from the outset and capitalised on Berrettini’s sluggish start. Berrettini is regarded as one of the toughest opponents on the tour after reaching the Wimbledon final in 2021 and the semi-finals here last year.
After breaking in the second game of the first set, Murray confidently served out the match. He then made the ideal start to the second set with a second break, sending a cross-court backhand diving beyond the helpless Berrettini in a classic manner.
By the time he was broken once more at the conclusion of the second set, Berrettini was utterly discouraged, but Murray would have to work hard for it, as he often did in his most famous performances.
Murray may have left the court considerably sooner in the third set if he had converted on two break points in the fourth game. However, Berrettini held on and went on to play much better, smashing aces and revving up his huge forehand.
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